Goodrich- When the Martians varsity boys basketball team hit the hardwood this November, Gary Barns will be their coach.

"I'm pleased to return for my 22nd year as head coach," said Barns during the school board meeting on Monday night. "I'm aware some community members have taken issues with me—but please note I've never intended anything negative. To them I apologize. My heart and soul is with the Goodrich community."

Barns took a leave as head coach in February to be with his son, Goodrich junior varsity basketball coach Dave Barns, who last year was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer. Assistant coach Wayne Wilson stepped in and led the team for the remainder of the season. The team was defeated by Detroit Country Day in the state quarter finals.

"Now it's time to return unified," Gary said. "I'm confident we can move forward. We're looking forward to a very strong team this year."

Dave Barns, who returned home last week after an extensive hospital stay, is expected to have a lengthy recovery.

"Many people have asked about Dave over this past year," said Gary. "I'd like to report he has been a warrior in the true Martian fashion. The goal is to get him back on the sidelines very soon. We are grateful for the support. We live in a wonderful community. The people have been tremendous."

Dave, a 2000 GHS graduate, scored more than 1,000 points during his high school basketball career. He also played at Grand Valley State University and the University of Detroit Mercy. Dave helped coach the varsity and junior varsity teams at Goodrich for the past six years. Coach Gary Barns, who earned 300 career victories in 2011, started in Goodrich in 1980 as an assistant to JV Boys Basketball Coach John Joslin.

Barns also coached the Goodrich JV girls basketball team from 1999-2006, taking the team to a remarkable 149-5 record.